Make your summer one to remember!
As a teen volunteer abroad, you can travel, make a difference, and meet people from around the world! Our teen volunteer abroad programmes are tailor-made for 14 to 18-year-olds.
Discover your world: New Culture & Adventure projectsExperience the summer of a lifetime in Japan, Cambodia, or Tanzania! Our Culture & Adventure projects are designed for fun, connection, and discovery. You’ll explore new cultures, build lifelong friendships with teens from around the world, and grow your confidence—all with the 24/7 support of our expert team. Book by 28 February and save $700 NZD!
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On our volunteer opportunities for teens, you can expect:
- A fully-supervised programme from arrival to departure.
- Support from our staff who help everyone settle in, even if it’s your first time abroad.
- The company of other teen volunteers who you’ll get to know through projects, cultural activities, and excursions.
- Fixed start and end dates. You’ll follow a set itinerary, offering a structure that suits school students.
- A certificate of completion and reference letter on request.
- An amazing experience that will give your university applications an edge.
Our High School Special volunteer projects provide experiential education while making a positive impact in communities.
You could help children learn through play, conduct research on a safari, or gain medical work experience in hospitals.
Choose a High School Special
1-3 of 47 Projects
Culture & Adventure in Japan for Teenagers
See this project- Price: $10,095 NZD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $5,095 NZD
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
- Age: 14-18
Sea Turtle & Coastal Conservation in the Maldives for Teenagers
See this project- Price: $5,195 NZD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $2,295 NZD
- Start Date: During school holidays
- Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
- Age: 14-18
Football Coaching in Mexico for Teenagers
See this project- Price: $4,985 NZD for 2 weeks
- Extra Weeks: $955 NZD
- Start Date: June and July
- Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
- Age: 14-18
High School Specials age and eligibility
More than half our High School Specials are available to participants aged 14 to 18. However, to adhere to local requirements, the remaining projects start from age 15 (with one from 16).
Looking for school trips abroad?
Imagine your students stepping outside the classroom and into a world of adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful service.
Our inspiring school group trips offer exactly that, providing unforgettable experiences designed to broaden horizons, foster personal growth, and ignite a passion for making a difference.
Popular High School Specials
Some of our most popular teen volunteer abroad programs for New Zealand volunteers (with start dates in December & January) include:
What are High School Specials?
Our High School Specials are volunteer abroad trips for teenagers. We’ve tailor-made these trips for groups of 14 to 18-year-olds. They come with a set itinerary, giving structure to help you make the most of your experience.
What makes High School Specials perfect for teenage volunteers?
- They run during the school holidays
- They last 2-4 weeks, giving you enough time to make a difference
- They offer a mix of pre-planned activities and independent travel
- You’ll work with a group of young volunteers, forming long-lasting friendships
By volunteering abroad as a teenager, you can expect to:
- Leave a sustainable positive impact on local communities.
- Meet and work on your project alongside teens from around the world.
- Enjoy the constant support of Projects Abroad staff.
- Join organised trips and social activities.
On a personal level, you will:
- Safely step out of your comfort zone
- Engage with a group of diverse people from around the world
- Develop soft skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork
- Gain a deeper understanding of global issues
Want a more flexible and independent experience? Take a look at our Flexi Trips for anyone over 16.
My time in Peru, even if short, was very sweet and left me memories that I will always remember! I went alone, something which I was scared about at the beginning, but actually turned out to be the best option and really helped me with my confidence. On my program, I had the chance to meet some really wonderful people, who I still talk to this day. - Jordana B, Childcare & Community High School Special in Peru
What teen participants have to say about their High School Special experience
We survey our teen participants regularly to improve the experience for others and to learn more about how their high school special benefited them personally.
Here's what they had to say:
- 73% were travelling abroad alone for the first time
- 99% said they feel now more confident when interacting with people from different cultures and background
- 98% said they now have a better understanding of global issues and challenges
- 93% said their medical internship improved their application to medical school or university
- 98% said they are now more likely to see themselves as global citizens
- 98% said they felt that the work they did had a positive impact
- 96% said they were now more confident handling life’s challenges
- 97% said the new skills / knowledge they gained will help them in future
Read: Beyond the bucket list: the personal growth behind international volunteering
What are the benefits of volunteering overseas as a teenager?
Our trips exist to help you make the most of your time volunteering abroad.
All our teenage volunteers enjoy:
- The security of travelling with a trusted organisation with decades of experience.
- Working with in-country staff who know the local community well.
- Developing confidence, skills, and friendships.
- A unique experience for university and job applications.
- Learning about other cultures and the challenges faced overseas.
Summer service opportunities for high school students
Summer is the busiest time of the year for us. Book a place ahead of time to make the most of your summer holiday.
When schools close for the summer, you can pack your bags, hop on a plane, and travel overseas.
Our High School Specials take place over fixed dates throughout the summer months of December, January, and February. We also have winter dates in June, July, and August.
Whichever project you choose, expect to:
- Meet and work with young people your age
- Live with a local host family or in shared accommodation
- Take part in fun, worthwhile activities at your placement
Join cultural activities with your group and our staff - Have support from our staff 24/7 during your trip
Want to join a volunteer abroad trip for teens?
Contact us to get started!
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